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Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants, or sedatives and tranquilizers.

Clonazepam, with a trade name of Klonopin, is an anxiolytic drug prescribed to manage seizure disorders and also panic disorders by slowing down some of the bodily and brain functions related to anxiety and stress. Clonazepam is thought to increase the presence of gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to slow down heart rate and blood pressure, and calm emotional disturbances.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, warns that taking Klonopin can be habit-forming and that users may become physically and psychologically dependent to the drug. Users should therefore not stop taking clonazepam suddenly without medical supervision due to the dangerous side effects, or withdrawal symptoms that may occur even when taken as prescribed.

Klonopin and other benzodiazepines are commonly abused and even taken with other drugs and/or alcohol, which may increase the withdrawal side effects. The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported that over 61,000 people sought emergency department treatment for a negative reaction involving the recreational, or nonmedical use, of clonazepam in 2011.

Clonazepam, when taken or abused for any length of time, can create chemical changes in the brain. Parts of the brain that are normally suppressed by the drug may become accustomed to the interaction of the drug and stop performing normally without it. This is when a dependence on the drug has been formed. When clonazepam is then removed, these functions that were being dampened are suddenly not, and a kind of rebound may occur. The symptoms that Klonopin may have been managing, such as anxiety, panic, seizures, and insomnia, may then be magnified.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from clonazepam can be dangerous and even potentially life-threatening.

The drug should not be stopped suddenly or without the direct supervision and guidance of a medical professional. Potentially fatal seizures or a coma may occur with the sudden cessation of Klonopin.
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Catatonia is also a rare, but documented, side effect of clonazepam withdrawal, as reported by the journal Psychosomatics. Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration levels, and body temperature may need to be monitored during withdrawal, as they can jump to unhealthy levels rather quickly as the brain and body attempt to restore order without clonazepam.Physical symptoms of clonazepam withdrawal may include:

Headache

Stomach pain

Nausea and vomiting

Tremors

Short-term memory loss

Insomnia

Irregular heart rate or heart palpitations

Sweating

Increased blood pressure

Impaired respiration

Dizziness

Blurred vision

Fatigue

Muscle spasms and cramps

Impaired coordination and motor functions

Diarrhea

Feeling lightheaded

Seizures

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is also known for the debilitating psychological side effects that may occur after a drug such as clonazepam is stopped. Perhaps one of the most serious emotional side effects of Klonopin usage is the increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as the FDA even made a point to add warnings about the potential for increased suicidal ideations to Klonopin labels in 2009.Psychological symptoms of withdrawal from clonazepam may also include:

Hallucinations

Nightmares

Mental confusion

Short-term memory lapses

Difficulties concentrating

Irritability

Drastic mood swings

Trouble feeling pleasure

Anxiety

Panic

Depression

Drug cravings

Lack of motivation

Feeling “out of it” and disconnected from reality

Anger and hostility

The emotional benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms will usually subside with time and psychological support.

There are generally three main phases of benzodiazepine withdrawal: early withdrawal, acute withdrawal, and protracted, or late withdrawal. Since Klonopin is a benzo with a long half-life of 18-50 hours, as published by the journal Case Reports in Psychiatry, withdrawal will not usually start until about 1-3 days after the last dose, or when the drug stops being effective.Early withdrawal usually lasts about 2-4 days and is likely to include “rebound” symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia. Acute withdrawal usually peaks around two weeks after stopping clonazepam and may last anywhere from a week to a month, according to information published in the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment’s Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory. The bulk of the withdrawal side effects will likely occur during acute withdrawal. Protracted withdrawal may include a continuation of psychological symptoms and drug cravings that may appear without warning at any time for several months or even years after the cessation of Klonopin.

Not everyone will experience all three phases of withdrawal as addiction and withdrawal are unique to each individual. For instance, protracted withdrawal is considered fairly rare; however, it may be more likely to occur in someone taking clonazepam than someone taking a shorter-acting benzo such as alprazolam (Xanax). Protracted withdrawal may be able to be avoided or controlled with therapy and mental health treatment.

Treating Clonazepam Withdrawal Safely

AS WITH ANY BENZODIAZEPINE, MEDICAL DETOX IS NECESSARY FOR THOSE WITHDRAWING FROM CLONAZEPAM.

Medical detox ensures that trained professionals are on hand to monitor progress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and medical detox will often utilize medications to help control the more difficult withdrawal symptoms. Since it may be dangerous to stop taking clonazepam “cold turkey” due to the range of withdrawal symptoms, detox will often include a tapering schedule. This is a way to slowly lower the dosage over a safe period of time, which can minimize potential physical and emotional side effects. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology reports that major withdrawal symptoms can be largely avoided with a gradual weaning, or tapering, of clonazepam. Medical detox will usually last about 5-7 days until the peak of withdrawal symptoms has passed, and the drug is fully removed from the body.

There is no specific medication currently approved to treat benzodiazepine dependence directly; however, there are several medications that may be useful during medical detox. Antidepressants may be helpful to manage depression and suicidal behaviors that may occur during detox and clonazepam withdrawal, and other medications that work to influence GABA levels, such as gabapentin, are also being studied.

Klonopin (clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine drug that has a number of therapeutic uses.

It is used to assist in the control of seizure disorders, assist in the control of anxiety disorders, and may be used as a muscle relaxant or sleep aid. Klonopin’s primary action, like all benzodiazepines, facilitates the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (often abbreviated as GABA) in the brain and spinal cord. This action results in a decrease in the firing rates and excitation levels of all other neurons, resulting in sedation, relaxation, and a sense of overall calmness. These effects are therapeutic at lower levels of the drug.

Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin also produce feelings of mild euphoria and wellbeing. They are classified as controlled substances by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (Schedule IV controlled substances). Klonopin and other Schedule IV substances have a potential for abuse and the development of physical dependence. They can only be legally obtained with a prescription from a physician.

Withdrawal from Klonopin

Because Klonopin is a high-potency benzodiazepine with a relatively short onset of action, it is used in the treatment of serious anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder.However, these properties also leave open the potential for the development of a serious physical dependence on Klonopin. The syndrome of physical dependence occurs as an individual’s system adjusts to the presence of a drug in the system and in a sense learns to operate efficiently only when the drug is present in the system at certain levels. Other system functions compensate to operate for the presence of the drug, and the release and maintenance of freestanding levels of neurotransmitters, hormones, and the functioning levels of all systems in the body are adjusted according to the presence of the drug.

When an individual stops taking the drug or reduces the dosage of the drug significantly, and these freestanding levels of the drug in the system decline, the individual’s system is thrown out of balance, resulting in a reaction that leads to the release or inhibition of neurotransmitters, hormones, etc. This situation results in the physical withdrawal symptoms that occur when one stops taking Klonopin. The physical withdrawal symptoms are accompanied by emotional and behavioral symptoms that are very uncomfortable for the person.

It is important to note that benzodiazepines like Klonopin are more often secondary drugs of abuse that are used in conjunction with some other primary drug, such as alcohol or narcotic medications.

When there is polydrug abuse to substances that also carry a high risk for physical dependence, the withdrawal process is much more complicated.

Variance in human physiology and psychological makeup can affect the intensity and length of withdrawal symptoms.The length of time the individual abused Klonopin will influence the length and intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

The frequency of use and dosage used also affect the withdrawal process.

Acute withdrawal: This period occurs within a period of 1-4 days following last use, depending on the half-life of the benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines with longer half-lives will result in the appearance of acute withdrawal systems later than benzodiazepines with shorter half-lives. Klonopin has a half-life elimination of 30- 40 hours, so individuals may not begin to feel serious acute withdrawal symptoms for a day or two following discontinuation.

The other variable that affects the onset of acute withdrawal from Klonopin is the frequency and dosage of use. The more often and higher the dose used, the sooner the withdrawal symptoms will appear. Because Klonopin has a high potential for physical dependence, it is quite possible that abusers of the drug were taking very high doses very frequently, and withdrawal symptoms can appear in just a few hours in these individuals.

Acute withdrawal symptoms can be quite variable but most often will consist of some combination of:

Somatic symptoms (e.g., headaches, sweating, and tremors in the hands)

A rebound effect refers to the return of symptoms that were controlled when one took a specific medication. Since benzodiazepines like Klonopin are used in the control of anxiety rebound, anxiety is a common acute effect of stopping the drug. Some sources may recognize rebound anxiety as a first step in the withdrawal process from Klonopin as it often presents early in the acute withdrawal process.

Full-blown or protracted withdrawal: This stage is often referred to as simplywithdrawal and occurs after the acute phase, typically extending 10-14 days. However, people who abuse Klonopin and were taking extremely high doses of the drug may experience more extended periods of withdrawal.

Individuals will experience general feelings of malaise, cravings, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and may continue to experience some somatic symptoms, such as nausea, lightheadedness, headache, mild fever or chills, and so forth. An additional period of rebound anxiety may also occur near the end of this stage.

There is a section of the literature regarding withdrawal from drugs in general, including Klonopin and other benzodiazepines, that describes a third phase of withdrawal that consists primarily of psychological symptoms, such as mood swings, periods of irritability, periods of anhedonia (difficulty experiencing pleasure), and depressive symptoms that continue to present themselves on an intermittent basis for weeks to years following discontinuation of the drug of choice. This post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is not universally accepted as a stage of withdrawal by many researchers, nor is it formally listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; however, the syndrome is accepted by some individuals in the field of addiction as legitimate.

It is suggested that individuals who do not have the symptoms of PAWS addressed are at a higher risk for relapse

Medications Used to Assist with Withdrawal from Klonopin

Withdrawal from a benzodiazepine such as Klonopin can be potentially fatal due to the risk for seizures (although this risk is rare).

As a result, medical detox is always necessary for benzodiazepine withdrawal. Several medications can be used to assist in the withdrawal process, including:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Paxil and Prozac, may be useful in addressing some of the symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal.

If an individual develops complications, such as seizures, physicians will use anticonvulsant medications (e.g., Tegretol or carbamazepine to control the seizures). Some of these anticonvulsants may also assist with the withdrawal process related to discontinuation of Klonopin.

The hormone melatonin has been useful in assisting individuals who develop insomnia during the withdrawal process. Melatonin is a hormone that induces sleep. It also may address other symptoms of Klonopin withdrawal and reverse tolerance.

Any number of medications could conceivably be used to address specific symptoms during the withdrawal process. However, research indicates that using a tapering process, where the individual in withdrawal continues to receive increasingly smaller dosages of the drug until formal discontinuation, is the most effective means to manage withdrawal from benzodiazepines such as Klonopin.

Beyond Detox

After an individual is deemed physically stable, the emotional side effects of withdrawal are considered more thoroughly. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) are two forms of therapy that may be used during benzodiazepine addiction treatment. Individuals usually attend both group and individual CBT sessions, which may also include homework and educational sessions that strive to uncover the cause of addiction and how to avoid potential stressors and triggers in the future. MI can aid in increasing an individual’s internal motivation levels by offering incentives for clean drug tests. Peer and family support groups are also useful aspects of a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program. Levels of care may change throughout withdrawal as individual needs and circumstances change as well.

Relapse is common in individuals addicted to benzodiazepines, and it is especially hazardous after detox. Someone who has been accustomed to using drugs at a certain level, but has not used them for a period of time and then returns to previous use levels, may end up suffering a fatal overdose. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that benzodiazepine overdose deaths increased fourfold from 2001-2013, to close to 7,000 fatalities in 2013.

A relapse may occur as someone strives to self-medicate what may be uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Therapy and psychological support are vitally important during benzodiazepine withdrawal in order to reduce and minimize potential relapse and avoid tragic consequences.

Clonazepam withdrawal is best managed with a combination of both pharmacological and therapeutic methods starting with medical detox.

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Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription drugs that reduce over-activity in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the presence of the inhibitory neuron gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA.

One of the most popular of these medications is Xanax, or alprazolam in its generic form, as CBS News reports that in 2011, it was the 11th most prescribed drug in the United States.Xanax is regularly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic disorders, to help relax muscles, relieve stress and tension, and help people sleep. Xanax is commonly abused as it can make people feel good by activating pleasure cells in the brain. In 2011, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) reported that close to 10 percent of all emergency department visits related to the abuse of pharmaceuticals involved the benzodiazepine, or benzo, alprazolam.

Xanax is also considered to be very addictive. Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prescribing information for Xanax indicates that taking the drug can lead to dependence, especially when taking high doses for longer than a month. GABA acts as a kind of natural sedative in the brain, slowing down certain functions and muting reactions to stress. Over time, Xanax may actually influence the production of GABA, and the brain may stop making it without the presence of the drug. The brain may then become dependent on Xanax, and when it leaves the bloodstream, withdrawal can start as the brain struggles to regain its natural sense of order and balance. Xanax withdrawal should not be attempted without medical assistance, as it can be dangerous and even potentially life-threatening.

As a central nervous system depressant, Xanax serves to slow down heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature in the body in addition to minimizing anxiety, stress, and panic. Xanax may also help to reduce epileptic seizures. When the brain gets used to this drug, slowing all of these things down on a regular basis, if it is suddenly removed, these functions may rebound.

Blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, and heart rate may go up rapidly, and seizures that can lead to coma and even death may occur. Some of the physical warning signs of Xanax withdrawal to watch for include:

Headache

Blurred vision

Muscle aches

Tension in the jaw and/or teeth pain

Tremors

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Numbness of fingers

Tingling in arms and legs

Sensitivity to light and sound

Alteration in sense of smell

Loss of appetite

Insomnia

Cramps

Heart palpitations

Hypertension

Sweating and/or fever

Impaired respiration

Xanax should not be stopped suddenly, or “cold turkey,” and vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, respiration levels, and temperature need to be closely monitored during its removal from the body. Grand mal seizures have been well documented, the Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association publishes, as dangerous side effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal and may be fatal without professional assistance during Xanax detox.

Xanax Withdrawal Timeline

Xanax is considered a short-acting benzodiazepine, with an average half-life of 11 hours, the FDApublishes. As soon as the drug stops being active in the plasma of the blood, usually 6-12 hours of the last dose, withdrawal symptoms can start.

Early benzodiazepine withdrawal generally lasts 1-4 days and encompasses the “rebound” symptoms the drug may have been intended to suppress. Acute withdrawal comes next and may last from a few days up to an entire month. All withdrawal symptoms may be present during acute withdrawal, which will typically peak around two weeks. After this point, symptoms likely will start to improve.

Some people may experience protracted withdrawal, however, which can include psychiatric symptoms and drug cravings.

Protracted withdrawal can last for several weeks, months, or even years without being addressed by a mental health professional.

Factors Affecting Withdrawal

Withdrawal is as unique to each individual, as is the disease addiction itself and the withdrawal timeline may be affected by several different factors. The more dependent the body and brain are to Xanax, the longer and more intense withdrawal is likely to be. Dosage amount, method of ingestion, mixture with other drugs or alcohol, age at first use, genetics, and length of time using or abusing Xanax can all contribute to how quickly a dependence is formed and how strong it may be.

High stress levels, family or prior history of addiction, mental health issues, underlying medical complications, and environmental factors can also make a difference in how long withdrawal may last for a particular individual and how many side effects are present. Xanax withdrawal can be made more comfortable and less dangerous with the help of medical and mental health professionals trained in treating substance abuse and dependency.

Safety of Xanax Detox Centers

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is best handled in a professional environment at a Xanax detox center. A detox center offers supervision, monitoring, and support in a safe and controlled environment. Medical and mental health professionals are available to offer the necessary treatment and support.

Withdrawal can be safely controlled and side effects reduced with a slow and controlled tapering schedule set up by a professional. By slowly lowering the amount of Xanax taken over a safe period of time, the more intense withdrawal symptoms may be largely avoided. At times, a longer-acting benzodiazepine, like Valium (diazepam), may be substituted for Xanax during detox and withdrawal too. By keeping a small amount of a benzo in the bloodstream, drug cravings and withdrawal may be controlled for a period of time until the drug is weaned out of the system completely. Adjunct medications like antidepressants, beta-blockers, or other pharmaceuticals may be effective in treating specific symptoms of Xanax withdrawal.

Professionals tend to agree that the best and safest way to conduct benzodiazepine detoxification is through a combination of therapy methods and gradual dose tapering, the journal Current Opinions in Psychiatry cites. Therapy sessions that include stress management techniques and relapse prevention tools may be important following the initial physical detox from Xanax. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps individuals to find the connection between their thoughts and actions, and work to make them more positive in nature.

An individual may notice a change in appetite and weight loss during Xanax withdrawal as well, making eating healthy and balanced meals during detox especially important.

Xanax detox centers and substance abuse treatment programs may also include holistic methods, such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage therapy, to relieve stress and encourage healing.

Drug Withdrawal Symptoms, Timelines, & Treatment

Learn If Detox Is Needed

What Are Some Drug Withdrawal Symptoms?

The symptoms of drug withdrawal, and the length of that withdrawal, vary depending on the drug of abuse and the length of the addiction. These are a few withdrawal symptoms and timelines for major targets of abuse:

In 2011, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health(NSDUH) published that almost 25 million Americans over the age of 12, approaching 10 percent of this section of the population, had used an illicit drug in the month prior to the survey, classifying them as current drug users.

The severity and duration of withdrawal is influenced by the level of dependency on the substance and a few other factors, including:

Length of time abusing the substance

Type of substance abused

Method of abuse (e.g., snorting, smoking, injecting, or swallowing)

Amount taken each time

Family history and genetic makeup

Medical and mental health factors

For example, someone who has regularly injected large doses of heroin for several years, with a family history of addiction and underlying mental health problems, is likely to experience a longer withdrawal period with potentially more powerful symptoms than someone who has used smaller dosages for a shorter period of time.

A general overview of certain drugs and their withdrawal timeline is as follows:

Alcohol: Withdrawal usually begins between eight hours of last drink up to a few days after drinking, peaks within 24-72 hours, and can last a few weeks, according to the S. National Library of Medicine.

Heroin and Opiates

Opioid drugs increase feelings of pleasure while numbing symptoms of pain. These drugs include the illegal drug heroin and prescription opiates, such as OxyContin (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen), morphine, codeine, Percocet(oxycodone and acetaminophen), and methadone.Opiates are considered highly addictive, and in 2013, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that 517,000 people were classified with a heroin abuse disorder. An additional 1.8 million Americans suffered from an opioid use disorder involving prescription painkillers.

Opioid withdrawal produces both physical side effects that may mimic the flu and psychological symptoms, during two distinct phases, known as early and late withdrawal. Early on during opioid withdrawal, muscle aches, tearing, runny nose, yawning, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and sweating are common, according to The New York Times. Later on, nausea and vomiting, chills or goose bumps, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and dilated pupils occur during late withdrawal.

Heroin has the shortest half-life only a few minutes per Mayo Clinic of all opiates. Therefore, it takes effect the quickest, but also leaves the body quickly, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA. To put it into perspective, OxyContin has a half-life of 3-4 hours for its immediate-release format and 12 hours for the extended-release form, while morphine has a half-life of 6-10 hours, the journal Clinical and Translational Oncology reports. Withdrawal starts when the drug’s half-life expires, and the drug is no longer active in the bloodstream. While not technically considered to be life-threatening, opioid withdrawal can be dangerous and should be performed under medical supervision and guidance.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines, often called “benzos”for short, make up a class of prescription drug used primarily to treat anxiety, panic disorders, and seizures. They may also be used as sleep aids or muscle relaxants. These drugs are considered central nervous system depressants that work to dampen the “fight or flight” reflex that may be hyperactive in someone suffering from heightened levels of anxiety or stress by activating the inhibitory neuron gamma amino-butyric acid, or GABA, which acts as a natural sedative.

When the brain is dependent on a benzo, if the drug is suddenly removed, a rebound effect can occur.

This is when the brain is trying to regain its state of balance as GABA levels potentially drop, opening the door to heightened levels of anxiety and insomnia in the early stage of withdrawal.

The bulk of withdrawal symptoms will be present during the acute withdrawal phase and may include:

Tension

Panic attacks

Tremors

Difficulty concentrating

Short-term memory loss

Anxiety

Irritability

Disturbed sleep

Headache

Heart palpitations

Sweating

Nausea

Muscle pain and stiffness

Hypertension

Irregular heart rate

More serious side effects may also occur during benzo withdrawal, such as delirium, hallucinations, extreme confusion, fever, and seizures. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening due to grand mal seizures that may result in coma or death in someone heavily dependent on benzodiazepines who stops taking them suddenly, the Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association states.

Anxiety and psychological withdrawal symptoms may continue for several month or even years in about 10 percent of those addicted to a benzodiazepine, ABC News reports. This is called “protracted withdrawal”and can be managed with therapy and mental health services.

Benzodiazepines are generally considered to be short-acting, intermediate-acting, or long-acting and the differing half-lives will dictate when withdrawal may start.

A short-acting benzo, for example, will have the shortest half-life and faster onset of withdrawal than a long-acting benzodiazepine. Short-acting benzodiazepines include Halcion (triazolam) and Serax (oxazepam). Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are intermediate-acting, and Valium (diazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Librium (chlordiazepoxide) are long-acting, per Primary Psychiatry. All three types of benzos produce similar withdrawal symptoms, and detox should be medically managed.

Cocaine

The stimulant drug cocaine has a very short half-life of less than an hour, meaning that it quickly takes effect and also rapidly leaves the bloodstream. Stimulant drugs elevate heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure. The “high” can produce extreme euphoria, heightened energy levels, and elevated self-confidence, although the feelings do not last very long. This often results in cocaine being abused repeatedly in a binge pattern.Cocaine is produced in two main forms: powdered cocaine that is smoked, snorted, or injected, and rock form or “crack” cocaine that is typically smoked. Smoking and injecting cocaine send it straight into the brain and may result in higher “highs” and quicker “crashes,” according to the DEA.

Cocaine withdrawal is usually manifested in three main phases: the initial crash, acute withdrawal, and extinction period.

Crash period: The crash may last between nine hours and four days, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports. The crash symptoms are generally the opposite of the stimulant effects. A person in the crash phase of cocaine withdrawal may sleep for days, notice an increase in appetite, and feel depressed and agitated.

Extinction period: Cravings for cocaine along with depressed moods and even potentially suicidal thoughts may continue for several months after stopping use of cocaine, NLM

Stimulant withdrawal is unlike withdrawal from most other substances, as there is a lack of many physical symptoms. As a result, withdrawal from cocaine is not considered to be life-threatening. Drug cravings and emotional turmoil associated with withdrawal may be best treated by a mental health professional trained in substance abuse and dependency who can provide necessary psychological support and care during detox and throughout recovery.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the US, with one in every 12 adults battling an alcohol dependency or abuse issue, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD). Alcohol withdrawal has a wide range of side effects, from mild hangover-type symptoms to coma and death. The more and longer an individual engages in patterns of heavy drinking, the more likely the brain is to become seriously dependent on alcohol and the more grave withdrawal symptoms may be during the detox process.According to data published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), about half of those with an alcohol use disorder will experience some form of alcohol withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is cut down or eliminated. Between 3 and 5 percent will suffer from the most serious form of alcohol withdrawal: delirium tremens, or DTs. Seizures, fever, severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and delirium may signify DTs, which can be fatal without swift medical intervention.

Other side effects of alcohol withdrawal include:

Anxiety

Insomnia

Headache

Nausea and vomiting

Irritability

Fatigue

Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly

Muscle aches

Loss of appetite

Clammy skin

Dizziness

Shakiness

Mood swings

Nightmares

Elevated heart rate

Tremors

Sweating

Loss of color in the face

Dehydration

Shallow breathing

Depression

Alcohol withdrawal is usually most intense in the first few days, with physical side effects typically tapering off in a few days to a week. The emotional effects and cravings for alcohol may continue for longer.

While alcohol withdrawal can start within the first few hours after the last drink, delirium tremens may not start for an additional few days, and appear suddenly, making alcohol withdrawal safest when monitored around the clock by a medical professional.

Medical detox means that medical professionals are on hand to ensure the individual’s personal safety by monitoring vital signs and emotional states. The initial goal of detox is to achieve a safe and comfortable level of physical stability so the psychological manifestations of withdrawal can be addressed. Someone addicted to alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines should always undergo medical detox to safely remove these substances from the body with the fewest number of adverse consequences. Many times, these substances will need to be weaned out of the body slowly under the direction of a medical professional.

Use of Medications in Detox

Medical detox may also use medications to help with the side effects of withdrawal. Buprenorphine products and methadone are supported by NIDA as effective treatments for opioid detox and dependency, for instance. Both buprenorphine and methadone are partial opioid agonists that partially activate opioid receptors in the brain. These drugs are long-lasting, meaning that they are effective for a longer period of time and in smaller doses, making them applicable in reducing withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.

Naloxone, a partial opioid antagonist, is often added to buprenorphine products, like Suboxone and Zubsolv, in order to block opioid receptors from receiving other opioids. It usually lies dormant unless tampered with and injected. If these medications are abused, the naloxone may induce another form of opioid withdrawal called precipitated withdrawal, which is the rapid onset of more intense withdrawal symptoms. This may deter someone from attempting to abuse these medications or any other opioid agonists during detox and into recovery.

For someone addicted to benzodiazepines, a longer-acting benzodiazepine may be used during detox to control withdrawal and taper the drugs down slowly. Medications such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers may be used during medical detox from many addictive substances in order to target specific psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and panic. NIDA reports that the mild stimulant drug modafinil may help with cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are sometimes used to smooth out alcohol withdrawal and to help prevent seizures by calming the overactive nerves and neurons.Depending on the level of dependency and care needed, detox from illicit drugs may be done in either an outpatient or inpatient capacity. An assessment of physical and emotional symptoms should be first conducted by a trained professional in order to determine what level of care will produce the best results.

Different drugs have different withdrawal timelines and symptoms, and treatment should be tailored to the specific drug and its side effects. Mental health and medical issues can complicate withdrawal as can poly-drug abuse, and these issues should be considered during substance abuse treatment.

Residential, or inpatient, substance abuse treatment often provides the most comprehensive care, and medical detox is the optimal choice in helping to make withdrawal as smooth as possible for most addictive drugs.

Xanax Addiction and Abuse Treatment

What is Xanax Addiction Treatment?

Up to 40 percent of people who take benzodiazepines like Xanax every day will develop an addiction to those pills. Recovery moves on two fronts: the physical and the psychological. Medical detox allows the body to become accustomed to the lack of Xanax, while rehab allows for skill-building and relapse-prevention planning.

In 2011, doctors wrote more than 47 million prescriptions for Xanax, making it the most popular psychiatric medication in the United States.

This is partly because Xanax (the brand name of the drug alprazolam) is used to treat a wide range of anxiety and panic disorders, and the effect of depressing the central nervous system has made Xanax the drug of choice for other ailments like sleep disorders and stress.

This has also opened the door to Xanax being abused by patients who are desperate for relief from their conditions, as well as recreational users looking for an easy high.

Fortunately, treatment for Xanax addiction can help bring individuals back from addiction to a life of health and happiness.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax comes from the benzodiazepine family of drugs. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the GABA neurotransmitter in the brain. The GABA neurotransmitter is very important for controlling the electrical excitation in the nervous system; lower GABA levels translate to more symptoms and feelings of anxiety, explains Everyday Health. Benzodiazepines boost the release of GABA throughout the individual’s nervous system, producing calming and sedating effects.

The calming and sedating effects of benzodiazepines make them very useful for those suffering from a number of conditions, not just anxiety and panic attacks. The Royal College of Psychiatrists lists some of the other conditions that benzodiazepines like Xanax are used to treat:

The Royal College cautions that benzodiazepines are addictive. Forty percent of people who take them every day, for six weeks or more, will develop an addiction to the pills. Signs of such an addiction can include:

Feeling compelled to take more medication, even beyond prescription limits

Despite this, the temptation to abuse Xanax may be too good to resist for a lot of people. American Family Physician considers benzodiazepines like Xanax to have a considerable potential for abuse, especially for certain “at risk”populations.
What makes Xanax so inherently addictive is that its effects are felt almost immediately upon consumption (as fast as 25 minutes, according to The Fix), but dissipate after just a few hours. This makes people compelled to take more Xanax, even if it means violating the boundaries of their prescription. But the effect of consuming more Xanax means that the patients’ tolerance for the Xanax builds up, leading them to take larger and larger doses. Over time, this gets them hooked on the Xanax.This is also why the ideal Xanax prescription should be for as short a period of time as possible (no more than four weeks, at most), to minimize the risk of the patient’s body getting acclimatized to the drug. Even if the patient requires a long-term Xanax plan, it is better for the treatment to be staggered with intermittent stages of consumption and tapering off, than for the person to receive continuous Xanax. The doses should also be as low as possible.Once dependence is in place, the fear of withdrawing from the Xanax kicks in. Individuals may genuinely want to stop taking Xanax if they recognize the unhealthiness of their situation, but the symptoms of opiate withdrawal are often so bad that they go right back on the Xanax for fear of experiencing those symptoms again.

Comprehensive Treatment

Treatment for a Xanax addiction involves countering the addiction on two fronts: the physical compulsion for the client to take Xanax and the mental craving for more of the drug.To address the first front, a client will undergo medical detox, with the goal of weaning off Xanax with as little distress as possible. Since the effects of withdrawal can be very painful and traumatic, treatment center staff might prescribe a course of anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant medication. Ironically, benzodiazepines are “effective in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms,”in the words of American Family Physician.

Due to the administration of anti-anxiety drugs being performed by trained staff members in a controlled environment (who have a full understanding of the client’s medical history and toxicology), a client can be put on a drug regimen to ease the withdrawal process, while incurring as minimal risk as possible. This is also why withdrawal should never be attempted alone, as the risk for relapsing and seizures (a danger pointed out by an article published in the Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association) far outweighs the remote chance of a successful DIY detoxification.

Detox is only the first part of the treatment process; the second part involves addressing the mental damage done by Xanax addiction. To that effect, the Journal of Clinical and Consulting Psychology says that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has shown considerable effectiveness in helping clients taper off benzodiazepine use. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a system of counseling whereby a client is helped to see how patterns of thought and behavior led to Xanax abuse and addiction. A therapist works closely with the patient on devising healthier and more positive ways of dealing with the root issues behind Xanax abuse, and also shows the client how coping skills and methods for dealing with the lingering compulsion to seek out Xanax.

A treatment model like CBT can also address the presence of a co-occurring disorder ” a client who has both an addiction to Xanax and a mental health disorder at the same time. Addictive Behaviors published a study where researchers examined the effectiveness of CBT in treating those who presented with both post-traumatic stress disorder and a substance abuse disorder. While conceding that their study was not a comprehensive one, the researchers reported that their findings provided support for using CBT to treat co-occurring disorders.

Alternative Therapies

Despite the effectiveness of Xanax, its risks have led doctors and patients alike to investigate alternatives to alleviating anxiety and stress (as well as the other conditions treated by Xanax). Some of these alternative treatment methods, according to Mental Health Daily, are:

Meditation, which helps reduce the stress response in the brain that triggers feelings of anxiety

Yoga, which helps reduce the levels of arousal that a person feels when experiencing anxiety or a panic attack

Essential oils that depress the nervous system and cause relaxation

Lifestyle changes, such as leaving a stressful job or starting an exercise routine

New York Magazine calls Xanax “the most popular anti-anxiety drug in America,”but that popularity comes with a price. As much as Xanax has become known for treating anxiety and stress, it has also become synonymous with the epidemic of prescription medication. Fortunately, numerous therapies and strategies exist to help individuals emerge from the shadow of Xanax addiction.

Valium Addiction Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Valium is one of the most popular and commonly prescribed antidepressants in the world today.

What is Valium Addiction Treatment?

Valium is a benzodiazepine medication that can produce seizures during the withdrawal process. As a result, it’s best for people with a Valium addiction to enter a formal addiction treatment program, so they can move through withdrawal with the help of a qualified medical team. Then, comprehensive therapy can help people to address the root causes of the Valium addiction and acquire the skills necessary for lifelong sobriety.

More than 2 billion tablets were sold in a single calendar year, and more than 500 derivative drugs have been made based on diazepam, for which Valium is the most well-known trade name. The World Health Organization considers Valium to be an essential medication that should be an inherent part of a basic health system, and its effectiveness and the range of conditions it treats have made it a household name.
That praise comes with a stiff price tag, as millions of people who became dependent on Valium have lost money, years of their lives, and relationships to Valium addiction.

What Is Valium?

Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine, a class of antidepressant drugs that are frequently used to treat those who present with a number of psychological or physical stresses.Primarily, the conditions for which Valium is prescribed include:

Anxiety disorders

Withdrawal from alcohol

Insomnia

Muscle spasms

Seizures

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that over 18 percent of the adult population of the United States experiences some form of anxiety disorder in a given year, which explains why there more than 150 different formulations for the benzodiazepine formula of diazepam. Even in England, the number of Valium prescriptions increased 11 percent in three years due to financial stress caused by the 2007 Great Recession, with The Telegraph reporting that doctors prescribed Valium 5 million times that year.

In fact, Anesthesia Progress says that diazepam is the “prototypical benzodiazepine”and the “grandfather”of the benzodiazepine drug class. It has been available for more than 40 years, and it is a commonly prescribed medication to this day.

Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for their effectiveness. In addition to their anti-anxiety properties, they are also used for treating convulsions and seizures, relaxing muscles, and a range of conditions, such as panic disorder, major depressive disorder, and general anxiety disorder, among others.The Royal College of Psychiatrists explains that benzodiazepines work by stimulating the brain to secrete a neurotransmitter known as GABA. Under normal conditions, GABA controls the electrical and chemical activity in the central nervous system. In people with certain conditions that cause excitation in the nervous system (resulting in panic attacks, anxiety attacks, etc.), their brains cannot produce enough GABA to rein in their emotions and reactions. That is where benzodiazepines like Valium come in: they jumpstart the brain into producing sufficient quantities of GABA, such that the impulse to react with panic or anxiety to a stressful situation is quashed.Different benzodiazepines have different rates of onset or last for different periods of time, says ABC News. Valium’s effects can be felt quickly, which is one reason why it is a very commonly used medication.

Inpatient Treatment

As with any benzo medication, medical detox is needed for Valium detox, and users should never attempt to detox from Valium without medical supervision. At a treatment facility, professional healthcare workers will conduct a full mental and psychological evaluation of a client before beginning the process of weaning them off Valium. This has to be done carefully, to avoid triggering the worst of the withdrawal symptoms; to that end, staff may administer anticonvulsant, anti-seizure, or antianxiety medications to ease the process.
In addition to medical detox, comprehensive therapy is needed to address the root reasons that led to addiction in the first place. It is vital to learn how to process the mental and emotional damage done by Valium addiction, as well as how to function in day-to-day life without the crutch of reaching for a bottle of pills. That insight comes from therapy, where the client and therapist work together on formulating strategies to help the client deal with the temptation to use Valium and how to respond to the situations that give rise to those temptations.A key tool in this stage of treatment is a form of therapy known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which works by examining the client’s thought and behavioral patterns, attempting to discern the processes that led to addiction. Once these patterns are understood, a therapist can guide the client towards forming newer, healthier patterns that can be used as a defense against the threat of relapse. The University of Washington explains that the concept of identifying and correcting harmful thought processes is the foundation of relapse prevention.
Once clients have completed this formalized treatment, it is imperative that they connect with a support group that can help them keep the tenets of therapy fresh in mind. To this point, 12-Step groups and other aftercare programs give the client a network of peers who have been through similar experiences and speak the language of this stage of recovery. These peers are there if the client needs someone to talk to, and they can provide companionship and solidarity when saying “no”to Valium becomes a struggle.

Outpatient Treatment

Clients may be given the option of outpatient treatment if the Valium addiction is not severe to the point that it warrants observation and protection from relapse triggers. This possibility may present itself if individuals seek help at a relatively early stage in the addiction, before they become physically and psychologically dependent on Valium to make it through the day. Regardless of which form of treatment is deemed appropriate ” inpatient or outpatient ” for rehab, medical detox with 24-hour supervision is recommended for Valium detox.
As an outpatient, the client returns home each night. In fact, after participating in therapy sessions, or receiving their dosage of medication, clients may be free to return to their private lives, engaging in work, academic, or family obligations. However, The Fix warns that one of the many conditions placed on clients who qualify for outpatient treatment is that their visits to treatment centers have to be frequent and regular, perhaps requiring them to spend a majority of their day there.

Outpatient clients are also encouraged to join a 12-Step group to help with the reality of maintaining their abstinence. Regardless of treatment status, a Valium addiction is still an addiction, and sobriety needs to be protected and nurtured.

As with most prescription drug addictions, developing a dependence on Valium can feel like adding insult to injury: the supposed “miracle cure”for anxiety or insomnia becomes its own source of stress and worry. With treatment, however, recovery and health are always possible, and the same Valium addiction that threatened to overwhelm your life can become a thing of the past.